NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 976, 14 November 1890, Page 34

NEW ZEALAND FLAX.

Sir, —It is quite a blessing to us poor struggling flaxmillers to see the price of flax go up, as cabled last week, and it must be gratifying to all who value the importance and prosperity of this great colonial industry. At the prices ruling so long now, no one has made it pay ; as a consequence most of the mills in the Wellington province are closed, most of the millers insolvent, and- much labour sent floating. Orders are coming in freely now, but are being placed at prices that are far too low for the quality required. Till lately the demand was for “fair average,” and the price given, Ll 5 10s to Ll 6, a price that barely pays. The quality then wanted went to “ good average,” and Llslos to Ll 6 still offered ; now it is “ good,” and Ll 5 103 toLI6 yet only offered; the quality required rising, the price stationary. No one can supply good at the price, better that the mills should remain closed ; and if merchants lead their principals abroad to believe they can get'good they either ruin the millers or must pass as “good” a quality that is not good. The lowest price at which it can be sold and then it leaves very little to cover cost of personal supervision' and risk —is LlB to L2O f.o.b. Wellington. But what is good flax ? Let us take 100 to represent the best : Free from straw and ribs ... 30 Free from tails 20 Free from dust and tow ... 20 Straight and unchopped .... 20 Good bright colour 10 100 On these lines flax should be graded, and the nearer it comes to these points so should the quality be determined. If for “ fair average ” 60 be taken, for “ good average ” 70, for good 80, and 100 for “ best,” this would be fair to maker, buyer, and seller. It will be well for the sake of classing to keep these points before us. But merchants, if they expect quality that will do them credit and not ruin the millers, must give and get fair prices.—l am, &c., Robert Gardner. Paraka, November 10.